Savannah, Chatham County leaders prepare legislative priorities ahead of trip to Atlanta

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Leaders in Savannah and Chatham County are preparing to take their priorities to the Georgia General Assembly as they head to Atlanta later this week to lobby state lawmakers.

More than 750 people from the region are expected to advocate for issues they say will help their communities at the state level.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said the trip is a key opportunity to bring the city’s needs directly to lawmakers.

“Really it’s our opportunity to take Savannah to the state capital,” Johnson said.

Johnson and other local leaders will be at the General Assembly on Wednesday, joined by representatives from business, education and transportation groups across the area.

One of those leaders is Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Bert Brantley, whose focus includes securing additional state funding for marketing and tourism as Atlanta prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Brantley said the World Cup presents a different kind of opportunity for Georgia cities outside Atlanta.

“The World Cup’s a little unique. It’s not like a Super Bowl where you come in for the weekend and you come back,” Brantley said. “We believe that folks are going to come in and stay for multiple days in the same way that we would do if we were headed over to the British Open or something overseas. We wouldn’t just fly over and fly right back.”

Johnson said last year’s lobbying efforts were significant for Savannah, helping the city secure funding for a $500 million water treatment facility. This year, he said, the city plans to support a broader range of organizations by advocating for shared priorities.

“I’m very concerned about funds for Savannah State University, also very supportive of funds for Chatham Area Transit,” Johnson said. “Again, it may not be our primary issue, but we will cosign on our partners on their issues.”

Leaders are also looking to take advantage of state-funded opportunities, including $50 million proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp for the Homelessness Response Grant.

“With all the programming and services we’ve done here, we think we’ll have a good chance at drawing some of those funds,” Brantley said.

Johnson said his top priorities this year will include affordable housing and childcare.

The meetings come during an election year, which Johnson said adds another layer to the discussions.

While advocating for funding and policy changes, he said city leaders will also be working to oppose legislation they believe could negatively impact Savannah and Chatham County.